Houston County Courier - Local News
Copyright 2012 - Polk County Publishing Company

County welcomes Judge Erin FordHouston County Courier

By Lynda Jones
Editor-in-Chief

It’s official. Houston County has a new county judge. Erin Ford became Judge Erin Ford Friday, Nov. 30 during a swearing in ceremony in the District Courtroom at the Houston County Courthouse. Former County Judge R. C. “Chris” von Doenhoff administered the oath of office to Ford in the presence of family, friends, county employees and elected officials, including State Rep.-elect Trent Ashby, who will be taking his own oath of office in Austin next month. Grapeland Mayor George Pierson, Lovelady Mayor Pro-tem Norma Dell Jones and Kennard Mayor Jesse Stephens also were in attendance. The courtroom was filled with well-wishers. Ford said, “I’m ready and looking forward to working for Houston County. I’m honored that the people of Houston County have the confidence in me to take this office.” Ford was elected Nov. 6 to fill the unexpired term of former Judge Lonnie Hunt. Hunt resigned in December 2011 to take a position with the Texas Association of Counties in Austin. Hunt’s seat was filled on an interim basis by von Doenhoff from Dec. 6, 2011 to Nov. 30. Ford said, “I really appreciate Judge Chris von Doenhoff’s dedication in taking this position during the past year. He really went above and beyond the call of duty. He deserves a lot of praise for that.” von Doenhoff previously served three terms as Houston County Judge between 1995 and 2006. Hunt served from 2006 to December 2011.